What strategies can you use to help the patient challenge their avoidance behaviors? How might medication (e.g., SSRIs or benzodiazepines) be used in conjunction with therapy for managing panic disorder?
Scenario 6: Panic Disorder
Background:
A 25-year-old male comes to your clinic after experiencing several episodes of sudden, overwhelming fear accompanied by physical symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating, and dizziness. He believes these symptoms are related to his fear of having a serious health condition, but medical tests have ruled out any physical causes. He is increasingly avoiding situations where he feels he might have another panic attack.
Role-Playing Exercise:
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NP’s Role: You will need to assess whether the symptoms align with panic disorder. Use open-ended questions and active listening to understand the frequency and triggers of the attacks. Also, explore the patient’s avoidance behaviors.
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Patient’s Role: The patient is anxious about the possibility of experiencing another panic attack, leading to avoidance of public places or social events.
Discussion Prompts:
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How do you differentiate between panic attacks and other medical conditions that might cause similar physical symptoms (e.g., heart problems)?
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What is the role of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating panic disorder?
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What strategies can you use to help the patient challenge their avoidance behaviors?
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How might medication (e.g., SSRIs or benzodiazepines) be used in conjunction with therapy for managing panic disorder?
